January 6, 2017

Mk 1: 7-11

He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.

And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

Many of us have been blessed with people who have shown us great and undue kindness. Who might you imagine repeating these words to you today — “You are my beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

Today is my wife’s birthday, a woman of heroic generosity who has spoken countless words of encouragement to me, to our children, and to our community.

At the start of this new year, I wonder what it might be like for us all to let God find us and whisper those precious words of consolation. And if we have the courage to believe it, as deMello wrote, God might really smile.

—Jordan Skarr works with the Jesuits at the Midwest province office in Chicago, assisting with programming for pastoral ministries.

Prayer

Loving God, help us to trust we are loved by you, and thus empower us to accept your other sons and daughters, whomever they may be. Amen.

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Ignatian spirituality reminds us that God pursues us in the routines of our home and work life, and in the hopes and fears of life's challenges. The founder of the Jesuits, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, created the Spiritual Exercises to deepen our relationship with Christ and to move our contemplation into service. May this prayer site anchor your day and strengthen your resolve to remember what truly matters.

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January 6, 2017

Mk 1: 7-11

He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.

And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

Many of us have been blessed with people who have shown us great and undue kindness. Who might you imagine repeating these words to you today — “You are my beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

Today is my wife’s birthday, a woman of heroic generosity who has spoken countless words of encouragement to me, to our children, and to our community.

At the start of this new year, I wonder what it might be like for us all to let God find us and whisper those precious words of consolation. And if we have the courage to believe it, as deMello wrote, God might really smile.

—Jordan Skarr works with the Jesuits at the Midwest province office in Chicago, assisting with programming for pastoral ministries.

Prayer

Loving God, help us to trust we are loved by you, and thus empower us to accept your other sons and daughters, whomever they may be. Amen.